Monument record 1160/15/2 - St Giles' Churchyard

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Summary

The current churchyard area is smaller than that recorded during the medieval period, when it appears to have been four acres in extent; currently it is around 2 acres in size. Burials have been found c6m north of the current boundary.

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

{1} Trial trenching was undertaken prior to development in 1979 to the north of St Giles Churchyard. At c.1.3-1.4m below existing ground level, the remains of 3 orientated fragmentary skeletons were recovered. One was so incomplete that analysis impossible, but of the others, both were male aged c25 years and more than 40 years respectively. A full report by A. Stirland is held in the site archive. The burials lay approximately 6m beyond present boundary to St Giles cemetery and would appear that it expanded northwards over the quarry in the medieval period and subsequently contracted to present boundary.

{2} Discussed by Franklin 1982; confirms grant to St Andrew's priory of St Giles' churchyard & four acres of land; present cemetery less than 2 acres so would imply later shrinkage

{3} Trial trenching between St Giles Church and Abington Street uncovered four graves beyond the present churchyard boundary.


<1> Williams J.H., 1982, Four Small Excavations on Northampton's Medieval Defences, p.72-3 (checked) (Article). SNN1859.

<2> 1100, CHARTER, (unchecked) (Document). SNN1901.

<3> Brown A.E. (ed.), 1980, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1979, p.172 (checked) (Article). SNN56490.

<4> Northamptonshire Archaeology Unit, 1978, Graveyard Survey - St Giles', Northampton, (unchecked) (Report). SNN101008.

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> Article: Williams J.H.. 1982. Four Small Excavations on Northampton's Medieval Defences. Northamptonshire Archaeology. 17. Northants Archaeology Soc. p.72-3 (checked).
  • <2> Document: 1100. CHARTER. SEE BELOW;. (unchecked).
  • <3> Article: Brown A.E. (ed.). 1980. Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1979. Northamptonshire Archaeology. 15. Northants Archaeology Soc. p.172 (checked).
  • <4> Report: Northamptonshire Archaeology Unit. 1978. Graveyard Survey - St Giles', Northampton. NCC. (unchecked).

Finds (1)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Location

Grid reference Centred SP 7594 6058 (123m by 98m) Central
Civil Parish NORTHAMPTON, West Northamptonshire (formerly Northampton District)

Protected Status/Designation

Other Statuses/References

  • Northampton Development Corporation SMR: M289;

Record last edited

May 8 2025 8:39PM

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